On Saturday night, Belizean boxers had the opportunity to showcase their skills and agility at the Orange Walk sporting complex. It was an international ticket, as Belizean boxers took on challengers from Mexico. So how did they do on their home grounds against the northern neighbors? Courtney Weatherburne has the story:…

Under the glaring lights of the Orange Walk Sporting Complex, the scrutiny of judges and the weighty expectations of fans, boxers fought ferociously to win the title, the respect of competitors and the adulation of boxing enthusiasts.

The night began with the junior boxers. One of the most exciting matches was between 8 year old Victor Sanchez and 10 year old Mervin Choto. Choto dominated much of the first round with his heavy blows to Sanchez's head.But Sanchez made a major comeback in the last seconds of the first round, with four power bunches that sent Choto tumbling to the ropes.In the second round, both exchanged furious blows but Sanchez landed some powerful body and head jabs.

Although Choto landed several head shots they were not as effective and powerful as Sanchez's consistent blows, with that, Victor Sanchez claimed the victory by split decision.

The first fight kicking off the main event was Mexican boxer Jose Balam and Belizean boxer Andy Dominguez. Dominguez started the first round with a combination of straight jabs to the head and body leaving Balam with little chance to respond.

Dominguez continued to dominate the second round, but Balam was not about to give up. He responded with several straight jabs, but he was no match for Dominguez's fiery punches that hyped up the crowd. Dominguez won by split decision. It was an impressive finish.

Next up was The Wiley Veteran Sherman Galvez vs. Mexican Javier Cuevas. At the start both boxers were feeling each other out, with a few flurries from Galvez's powerful straight right jabs, but in the third round both fighters gained momentum and attacked, Cuevas throwing some wild counter punches, but it was not enough to beat Galvez.

He won by split decision, another victory for Belize.

According to Sherman Galvez, his intelligence, skill and versatility gave him the victory.

Sherman Galvez, Winner

"In the ring, its always a challenge and competition but that is my arena. I love boxing and that is what I do. It was a great challenge, the guy was smart, kept his composure, try to set me up in the first and second round. I kept my composure the same way and in the third round, I dealt with it."

Coach Martinez also commented on the fight and outlined the major improvements that need to be made in terms of boxing style

Coach Martinez, Cayo Lion's Den Club

"It was a great competition, it gave us an opportunity to showcase our young talent. And as far as Andy, he made me aware the Mexican hit him with a low blow and it took his wind in the third round. It was a very difficult fight, we are partially pleased with the victory. Well basically they have to lead with the jab, the jab opens the door for the other punchers to walk through and also I have to emphasize to them the bio mechanics of punching. If you throw from the left side, you have to catch the balance on the right side, shift your weight. At times Andy was reaching for the left hook and he was off balance."

And to make sure that he maintains his balance in other fights, Dominguez says, he will go back to the drawing board.

Andy Dominguez, Winner

"It feels good anytime you accomplish something. You win something, you feel good about it, you feel very excited but at the same time you have to go back to the drawing board and check on your errors; Try to perfect more fundamental things."

And while Belize only won 2 out of 5 fights, based on what we saw on this fight night, there's an eager fan and a ready pool of talent…

Promoters hope to have the next event in Cayo.